Originally from Chicago, Illinois, John-Paul Kaplan is a one of a kind entertainer. Audiences, clients, and fans are always thrilled by the versatility, captivating arrangements and professionalism of this young pianist and composer. Kaplan, through the inspiration of his family, began studying the piano at the age of seven. He studied classical music with Doreen DeZur and jazz with Mark Streder. He was an outstanding pianist for his age, achieving top honors on the piano competition circuit.
Today, John-Paul has a wide repertoire of songs ranging from classical and oldies music to easy listening and popular standards. His musical style and unique arrangements have attracted many fans that enjoy fun and entertaining piano music.

He has performed for such celebrities as Roger Williams, B.B. King, Ramsey Lewis, Harold Ramis, Vanessa Williams, Goran Visnic, and Tony Bennett, among many others. Kaplan has been entertaining audiences since 1996. He has performed at parties, hotels, churches, and other public and private events, traveling throughout the country performing in different cities.

Kaplan received rave reviews from his performances in Chicago, Washington DC, Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, Florida, Michigan, and Canada. Venues that enjoyed his music include The Peninsula Hotel, The Drake Hotel, The Four Seasons Hotel, The Capitol Hilton, The Cheney Mansion, The Crystal Cathedral and other music establishments. From 1998-2004, he also directed and accompanied dramas/musicals at Northridge Preparatory School.

Currently, John-Paul has finished his latest CD project entitled ”Keys of Time: My Favorite Piano, Volume 1” This project includes well loved piano classics arranged with a modern touch and flair. It will be released worldwide in September. His other award nominated CD “This Is The Day” is currently available in stores. During the 2007-2008 concert season, he is scheduled to perform at The Kennedy Center Millennium Stage, The Lincoln Center Christmas Show, The John-Paul II Cultural Center, The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center, Universita Pontifica in Italy, The Chicago Jazz Salon with a radio simulcast, and a live TV performance on EWTN. John-Paul is an active member of the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers, BMI, the International Songwriters Guild, CAM, CMN, and the American Federation of Musicians. In his free time, John-Paul enjoys sailing, aviation, traveling the world and culinary arts.